Understanding the Key Distinctions: IPC Sections 3 vs 4

Sections 3 and 4 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deal with offences committed outside India. However, there is a key difference between the two sections.

Section 3 deals with offences committed beyond India but which by law may be tried within India. This means that if an Indian citizen commits an offence outside India, they can still be tried for that offence in India. For example, if an Indian citizen commits murder in another country, they can be extradited back to India and tried for murder under the IPC.

Section 4 deals with offences committed outside India that cannot be tried within India. This means that if an Indian citizen commits an offence outside India, and that offence cannot be tried in India, then they cannot be punished for that offence under the IPC. For example, if an Indian citizen commits theft in another country, and that offence cannot be tried in India, then they cannot be punished for theft under the IPC.

In addition, Section 4 also deals with offences committed by foreigners outside India. If a foreigner commits an offence outside India, and that offence can be tried in India, then they can be tried for that offence under the IPC. For example, if a foreigner commits murder in another country, and that offence can be tried in India, then they can be extradited back to India and tried for murder under the IPC.